Manifold

Abstract

A manifold with interconnecting, non-threaded modular sections. The connected sections define a fluidic passageway and at least one valved outlet. The valved. outlet is reversible to enable the valve to be readily accessible when the modular section is in any orientation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

1 - 27 . (canceled)  
   
   
       28 . A manifold section comprising: 
 a body portion defining a body portion passageway and including a male connecting structure disposed at a first end of the body portion, and a female quick-connect fitting disposed at a second end of the body portion, the quick-connect fitting including a collet configured to receive and releasably grip a tube; and    a first outlet extending integrally from the body portion and defining a first outlet passageway opening into the body portion passageway, and including a valve for opening and closing the outlet passageway, the valve including a valve spool having a bore extending traversely to an axis of the spool for alignment with the outlet passageway, a valve housing accommodating the valve spool such that the valve spool can be rotated about the axis of the spool, a valve stem extending coaxially from an end of the valve spool, and a valve handle secured to the valve stem.    
   
   
       29 . The manifold section of  claim 28 , wherein the valve spool bore is generally coaxial with the first outlet passageway when the valve spool is rotated to a first pivotal position using the valve handle to thereby open the first outlet passageway.  
   
   
       30 . The manifold section of  claim 29 , wherein the valve spool bore is generally transverse to the first outlet passageway when the valve spool is rotated to a second pivotal position using the valve handle to thereby close the first outlet passageway.  
   
   
       31 . The manifold section of  claim 28 , wherein the valve housing accommodates the valve spool such that the valve stem is oriented in a first vertical direction and in which the valve housing also accommodates the valve spool such that the valve stem is oriented in a second vertical direction, the second vertical direction substantially 180 degrees with respect to the first vertical direction.  
   
   
       32 . The manifold section of  claim 28 , wherein first outlet includes a quick-connect fitting at a distal end thereof.  
   
   
       33 . The manifold section of  claim 32 , wherein the quick-connect fitting of the first outlet comprises a connector body, a collet, a collar fixing the collet in the connector body, a guide disposed inboard the collet, and a seal disposed inboard the guide.  
   
   
       34 . The manifold section of  claim 28 , further comprising a second outlet, the second outlet defining a second outlet passageway opening into the body portion passageway and comprising a valve.  
   
   
       35 . The manifold section of  claim 34 , wherein the second outlet valve is substantially identical to the first outlet valve and including a quick-connect fitting at a distal end thereof.  
   
   
       36 . The manifold section of  claim 28 , in which the body portion is characterized by a longitudinal axis and in which the manifold section will mate with another manifold section in a first orientation or in a second orientation, the second orientation in a 180 degree rotation from the first orientation about the body portion longitudinal axis.  
   
   
       37 . A manifold assembly, comprising a plurality of manifold sections, each of said plurality of manifold sections comprising a body portion substantially identical to the manifold section of  claim 28 .  
   
   
       38 . The manifold assembly of  claim 37 , in which the female connection of one of said plurality of manifold sections is mated to a male connection of another of said plurality of manifold section.  
   
   
       39 . The manifold section of  claim 28 , wherein the male connecting structure includes lateral brackets and an outer surface with a groove accommodating an o-ring.  
   
   
       40 . The manifold section of  claim 28 , comprising: 
 a divider section including the male connecting structure disposed at an end thereof;    an end section including the quick-connect fitting of the body portion disposed at an end thereof; and    a single section connecting the divider section to the end section, the outlet portion extending from the single section.    
   
   
       41 . The manifold section of  claim 28 , wherein the quick-connect fitting of the body portion comprises a connector body, a collar fixing the collet in the connector body, a guide disposed inboard the collet, and a seal disposed inboard the guide.